The host nation was in search of its first Baltic Cup since Independence from the USSR, and a 6th overall, inspiring midfielder Vitalijs Teplovs to kick the opening goal.

Enter Virginijus Baltušnikas!

The 23-year-old defender was not regarded as a striker, particularly for his cherished Žalgiris Vilnius, hence why the crowd would be silenced when he would kick a hat trick on this day for Lithuania (28’), (31’), (79’).

Though veteran midfielder would Jurijs Popkovs would kick his first and only International goal for Latvia in the 89th minute, the Lithuanians would still prevail.

This tournament would be Lithuania’s first Baltic Cup won on Latvian soil in history after three unsuccessful attempts in 1929, 1932 and 1936.

However this tournament will always be remembered for the efforts of Baltušnikas, a man who would represent Lithuania 42-times (between 1990-98).

He would kick 9 goals for his nation, the second highest amount at the time after Antanas Lingis’ 12.